531. Lyve-1 AND Vegfr-3 POSITIVE LYMPHATIC VESSELS ARE LARGELY RESTRICTED TO THE MYOMETRIUM IN THE MOUSE UTERUS

Abstract

The human endometrium contains a distinct population of lymphatic vessels, with reduced numbers of vessel profiles in the functionalis relative to the basalis and underlying myometrium. The mechanisms restricting lymphatic vessel development within the functionalis and the consequences of this distribution for endometrial function have not been investigated. To determine how the distribution of endometrial lymphatics is regulated, an in vivo animal model is required for mechanistic studies. As an initial step, we described the distribution of lymphatic vessels and the expression of Vegf-C and Vegf-D within the mouse uterus using immunohistochemistry. Uterine tissues were collected from mice ..